The Dallas Cowboys look like a functional, hunky-dory organization right now compared to the Philadelphia Eagles. That's not a statement that one could have commonly shared throughout the past decade. Times are a-changin', though.
Long-time Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who was an offensive line coach under Doug Pederson for the franchise's Super Bowl LII run and under Nick Sirianni for the team's Super Bowl LIX run last year, was essentially forced out of the "City of Brotherly Love."
As ESPN's Tim McManus relayed from sources, Stoutland was stripped of any say in the run game to the point he felt guilt and shame associated with having that as his job title.
"With the offense stagnant, head coach Nick Sirianni took on a more active role over the latter part of the season. He and then-offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo began incorporating different run designs in an effort to kick-start the operation," McManus wrote.
"Stoutland was not consulted about the changes to what he felt was an appropriate degree, a league source said, to the point where he no longer desired the title of run game coordinator because he felt it no longer fit his job description."Tim McManus, ESPN
Sirriani, who's not exactly loved by Birds fans, got enough say to put Stoutland in the corner after being one of the steadying presences of a franchise that was enjoying the most prosperous period in its history.
Cowboys Should Be Laughing as Eagles Drop the Ball with Jeff Stoutland
What a mess. The best part? Multiple coaches, including new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker, have made their way to the DFW as the Eagles, as we know them, continue their relevancy-teardown. Parker just spent the last two seasons as Philly's passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Can Dallas continue to feast on Philadelphia's personnel turnover? With Stoutland, it's not overly likely.
There will be better opportunities elsewhere for him, possibly from the Kansas City Chiefs, who may be looking for an offensive line coach to pair with Eric Bieniemy in the event Andy Heck calls it a career. The Las Vegas Raiders also have that immediate need.
The Cowboys don't have that coaching position open, and can only offer analyst/support staff roles. Stoutland can do better and almost certainly will; however, that doesn't change the fact that his no longer being with the Eagles is a huge win.
The Eagles' offensive line has been one of their strengths, and now they'll be without the man who orchestrated that success. The Cowboys' pass rushers and run-stoppers must be loving this development, as it makes it that much easier to disrupt Jalen Hurts' rhythm.
Dallas finished four wins behind Philadelphia in last season's NFC East race. Without Stoutland in the picture moving forward, the Cowboys can't waste this terrific opportunity to close the gap between themselves and their hated divisional rival.